By Roger Naylor & Babs Harrison
Of all the skills learned during a stay at Castle Hot Springs, one that may prove the most beneficial in the long run is absolutely ancient. It’s the simple act of pulling back a bow and letting an arrow fly. Archery in Arizona is best experienced in a quiet desert canyon at the foot of the Bradshaw Mountains.
More than a hobby or competitive sport, archery is a practice that builds patience, improves concentration, and teaches calmness under pressure. The physical component of the activity provides exercise while toning muscles and building strength. But archery is primarily a mental game. The classes have become an increasingly popular choice for guests of Castle Hot Springs.
“We offer daily archery lessons at our range,” says Ross Stanley, Adventure & Activities Guide, and archery specialist. “These sessions are catered to individuals of all skill levels. We have shooting ranges from 7 to 20 yards. Some guests participate in multiple sessions throughout their stay to improve their skills.”
The genius of archery is that just about anyone can learn to do it. There’s no ideal physique or age or uniform for the sport. It’s accessible to almost everyone. You can enjoy a solitary practice or shoot with friends, or even compete in tournaments.
The archery tips offered at Castle Hot Springs provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals. And that’s just the beginning. Because archery keeps you rooted in the moment. It can make you hyper-aware of the now. Like yoga, archery is a meditative sport that helps you find a quiet center.
“Archery is an activity that can strengthen hand-eye coordination, mental focus, and an overall sense of achievement while boosting self-confidence,” says Stanley. “Archery is a mindful experience that brings presence to the body and allows for growth and development through challenge. It can provide a lifetime of learning. We start with breathwork and being intentional with each step in the process.”
The mental aspect of archery can teach you how to achieve goals amidst ongoing distractions, remain calm in stressful situations, and act when the moment is right. Relax, breathe, focus, and follow through. The more relaxed the mind and body can be, the more likely you are to stay focused, avoid distractions, and hit your target. The lessons that work for archery also work for life.
Classes at Castle Hot Springs last 45 minutes and include all the equipment you need. Experiment with different bows, shooting a modern compound or a traditional recurve bow. Instructors will offer guidance on proper technique and form. The knowledge and experience you leave with, can guide you through so many other facets of day-to-day living. You’ll be a stronger, more patient, and more focused person. Even if you never pick up a bow again.
FIVE WAYS TO TRAIN YOUR MIND
Here are five ways elite archers train their minds to hit the bull’s eye in life and on the range:
- Mental Focus: The more focused you are on the target, the easier it is to clear your mind. Focus on nothing but the goal, shutting everything else out of your mind, and aim at the target you want.
- Mindset: The mind controls the body, and the mind is what shoots the arrow. Any doubt or nervousness will cause you to lose focus and lose control. The moment you begin to draw the bow, even a split second of distraction will cause you to miss the target.
- Relaxed Alertness: A state of relaxed alertness means there is a complete focus and awareness throughout the body. The more you concentrate on your breathing, the more the distraction of external noise will fade away.
- Visualization: With all your senses, visualize the arrow hitting the target. See, smell, hear and feel it. You have to feel the shot.
- Goal Setting: It’s not just about hitting the target, but setting goals to improve every day. Analyze and learn from previous shots and adjust for accuracy. Patience and practice will make your shots more consistent over time as you develop more confidence. No matter what you shot previously, the focus is always on the present shot.